Ernest Henry Donnici, 85, Kansas City, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 25, 2012. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Monday, July 30, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 31, at St. Thomas More Church. Entombment will follow in Mt. Olivet Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Ernie was born November 3, 1926 in Kansas City, MO to Sam and Mary (Lavorato) Donnici, where he lived his entire life. Throughout his life he had many accomplishments. As a young man he was an Eagle Scout, a member of the tribe of Mic-O-Say, and was a graduate of Northeast High School. Ernie was a very gifted athlete. There was no sport at which he did not excel—particularly basketball and golf, the latter of which he continued to play until only a few years ago when back problems prevented him from doing so. He was also an avid sportsman and fisherman.

Ernie's overall character can be described as intelligent, honest, caring, generous, humble, and very hard-working. He was a man of the highest integrity, always ready to offer help. He was an outstanding businessman and entrepreneur and, with his father and brother, owned Palace Sundries Inc. at 12th & Woodland and later at 27th & Benton before retiring in 1994. Upon retirement, he enjoyed taking annual Spring Break vacations with his wife, children, and grandchildren to many tropical locations and more recently trips to Lewes Beach, Delaware. His last few days were spent on a beach vacation in Lewes surrounded by the people he loved most and who adored him in return.

Ernie was a member of UNICO and also a longtime parishioner of St. Thomas More. He was a faithful and prayerful man who held an open house every December 4th in honor of his devotion to St. Barbara. But most of all, he was a gentleman and everything a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle should be and much, much more.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Josephine (Pollina) Donnici; his daughters, Mary M. Donnici, Paula J. Swain and husband Bill; his granddaughters, Emily Swain and Jessica Swain; his sister, Rose Marie Donnici; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was deeply loved by his family and will be so greatly missed.

Online condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com.